19 February 2025

AZDroneFest Film Festival and UAS Expo, Arizona’s premier drone film festival, returns for its sixth year on March 15, 2025, at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. This highly anticipated event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and brings together drone enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry professionals for an unforgettable day of aerial innovation, education, and entertainment.

Our Mission

At AZDroneFest, our mission is to educate, promote, cultivate, and celebrate the art of aerial cinematography. We accomplish our mission by bringing together pilots from various industries and expertise, fostering an environment where innovation and creativity thrive. We believe that by coming together, we can be inspired and learn from each other, regardless of how we use drones. Through hands-on experiences, expert-led discussions, and international film screenings, AZDroneFest provides an opportunity for all participants to grow, learn, and be inspired by one another.

A Free Family Event to Inspire and Educate

AZDroneFest is designed as a free, family-friendly event, offering a unique opportunity for attendees of all ages to explore the latest drone technology, witness thrilling live demonstrations, and engage with experts in the field. Whether you are a seasoned drone pilot,an aspiring filmmaker, or just curious about aerial technology, there is something for everyone at this year's festival.

The event will feature drone racing, obstacle courses, drone delivery, rescue operations, and professional filming drones in action. These engaging demonstrations will showcase the diverse applications of drone technology and highlight its increasing importance in various industries, from entertainment and filmmaking to search-and-rescue operations and commercial applications.

At AZDroneFest, FPV pilots will showcase their incredible talents. Attendees will witness drones navigating obstacle courses, racing and performing breathtaking aerial maneuvers. Whether you’re a fan of drone racing or new to FPV, this segment of the festival promises thrilling, fast-paced action that highlights the precision and skill of today’s top FPV pilots.

While general admission is free, VIP access is available for a fee, allowing attendees to participate in exclusive keynote sessions and panel discussions with national industry experts from aerospace, UAS, and drone cinematography.

AZDroneFest is proud to present an outstanding lineup of speakers and panel discussions featuring experts from across the commercial UAS industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from professionals at The Pilot Institute, Desert Rotor, Sonoran Desert Institute, and the Drone Service Providers Alliance, who will discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the commercial drone sector.The Phoenix Fire Department, Casa Grande Police Department, and Regional Fire and Rescue Department will provide key insights into how UAS technology is being used to enhance public safety and better protect our communities. These experts will share real-world experiences on how drones are aiding emergency response, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations.

For those interested in aerial cinematography, renowned cinematographers from Reel Bros, Flying Robot, and Jeremiah Davis will be on hand to discuss the evolving role of drones in filmmaking. They will provide valuable insights into how drone technology is being leveraged to capture stunning visuals, improve storytelling, and push creative boundaries. Additionally, award-winning filmmakers Tom Middleton (joining remotely from England) and Marcus Moeller (joining from Florida) will share stories of some of their most challenging drone cinematography projects, offering attendees a chance to gain unique perspectives on the global use of aerial technology in filmmaking.

Celebrating Innovation in Aerial Cinematography

Since its inception, AZDroneFest has served as a platform to celebrate and elevate aerial cinematography and the rapidly evolving UAS industry. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an exciting lineup of films from aroundthe world, a diverse range of exhibitors from all aspects of the drone industry, and industry-leading speakers sharing insights on cutting-edge drone technology and innovation.

Festival director Chris Tinard expressed his excitement about this year's event, saying: "There’s so much innovation taking place among amateur and professional drone users, and this event is an opportunity to highlight the best of the best. We aim to recognize excellence and inspire attendees of all ages at this free family event.”

From breathtaking film screenings to hands-on experiences with the latest drone technology, AZDroneFest 2025 is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about drones, cinematography, and technological advancements.

Exciting Categories & Global Recognition

The festival showcases talent through various competition categories, each designed to highlight creative storytelling, technical expertise, and the power of aerial perspectives.

Participants submitted entries in many categories such as:

Narrative Films – Aerial cinematography in feature films or documentaries

Showreels – Highlighting a filmmaker's best aerial work

Still Photography – Recognizing excellence in drone-captured imagery

FPV (First-Person View) Cinematography – Showcasing high-speed, precision drone flying skills

Industrial Applications – Featuring aerial images used in construction, inspection, and commercial industries

New Drone Pilot – Celebrating pilots with less than one year of flying experience

Arizona Category – A special competition for filmmakers from Arizona

Submissions will be carefully evaluated by a distinguished panel of award-winning judges, which includes renowned drone pilots and industry experts. These judges bring a wealth of experience and global perspectives, ensuring that only the most outstanding achievements in aerial cinematography are recognized.Winners of AZDroneFest 2025 will receive international recognition, with awards shipped to winners worldwide. Previous winners have come from countries such as Turkey, South Korea, Australia, France, Greece, and the United States, including filmmakers from Alaska, Colorado, and Arizona. The event’s global reach has helped place its awards in the hands of some of the most talented drone filmmakers across the world.

A Film Festival Showcasing Global and Local Talent

With films from eight different countries, AZDroneFest features some of the best aerial filmmakers in the world, while also providing a platform for local talent to shine. Award-winning filmmaker Chris Tangey from Australia is a multiple-time AZDroneFest winner in the Landscape and Narrative categories with his film Firehawk. Similarly, Danny McGee has won three awards in the FPV and Landscape categories for his incredible film capturing the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Phoenix-based drone pilot and filmmaker Saunders Staley from Flying Robot has won awards every year since the festival’s inception—earning five awards across four different categories. Not only is Saunders the most decorated filmmaker in AZDroneFest history, but he also volunteers each year to speak on various panels and demonstrate his incredible drones in action.

The festival’s New Drone Pilot category is specifically designed to recognize pilots with a year or less of experience flying, providing emerging creators with an opportunity to be celebrated for their work. One inspiring example is Louisa Royer, who won the 2023 Best New Drone Pilot Award and subsequently became the Guinness Book of World Records’ youngest drone videographer (female) at the age of 8 years and 258 days. Louisa’s passion for drone filmmaking started young, as she shared: “I asked for a drone as a gift because I love science, and it seemed like a fun way to explore the world from a different viewpoint."

Louisa Royer

Her story is just one of many that illustrate how AZDroneFest is helping to foster the next generation of aerial filmmakers, encouraging creativity and technical skill development in drone cinematography.

Industry Engagement & Sponsorship Opportunities

As the premier drone-focused event in Arizona, AZDroneFest attracts a wide range of industry leaders, businesses, and technology innovators. Companies interested in engaging with a diverse audience of drone enthusiasts, filmmakers, photographers, and commercial drone pilots have the opportunity to become event partners.

Businesses can participate in the festival by:

Setting up a booth to showcase their products and services

Offering live product demonstrations

Connecting with drone pilots and industry professionals

Sponsoring keynote sessions or panel discussions

For companies unable to attend in person, virtual sponsorship opportunities are available, including promotional video placements on the festival’s giant video wall, located at the heart of the event. This screen will feature films, interviews, and drone-related product demos, providing an excellent opportunity for brands to gain exposure among festival attendees.

To learn more about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, visit https://www.usdronefest.com/partners.

The Future of Drones on Display

From entertainment and aerial photography to commercial applications and emergency response, drone technology continues to redefine industries worldwide. AZDroneFest 2025 offers a rare opportunity to see this technology in action, learn from the best, and celebrate the artistry of drone cinematography.

For attendees, the festival is an incredible networking opportunity, allowing hobbyists, content creators, commercial drone pilots, and first responders to share their experiences, gain insights, and expand their expertise. The festival aims to bridge the gap between casual drone enthusiasts and industry professionals, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can learn, grow, and be inspired.

Important Dates

Film Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025

AZDroneFest Event Date: March 15, 2025

Location: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona

For more information, including submission guidelines, sponsorship details, and event registration, visit AZDroneFest.com.Join us for AZDroneFest 2025 and be part of an unforgettable celebration of aerial creativity and cutting-edge drone technology. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this event is the perfect place to be inspired, learn, and connect with the global drone community. See you there!

Learn More